From Bench to Bedside: The Evolution of Tissue-engineered Maxillofacial Reconstruction – Conceptualizing the practicality of in-situ tissue engineering for our patients in the modern era

First conceptualized by W.T. Green in the 1970s, the advent of tissue engineering was a significant milestone in the field of medicine and surgery. What started as proof-of-concept studies in preclinical models has transitioned to clinically applicable regenerative strategies for maxillofacial reconstruction in patients. Tissue-engineered bone grafts have made the reconstruction of defects of the oral and maxillofacial region predictable and reliable without the need for harvesting autogenous bone. The focus of this session will be on the two fields where the most significant advancements have occurred, craniofacial bone and sensory nerves. Multiple long-term clinical studies have demonstrated tissue-engineered bone grafts and allogeneic nerve reconstruction are equivalent or even superior to autogenous grafts. The "bench" part of this session will introduce and discuss the science regarding bone and nerve repair and regeneration. The "bedside" session will focus on key concepts for the successful clinical application of tissue engineering science to bone and nerve repair. This session will briefly discuss preoperative workup, preparation, and procedural options for patients with tumors, post-resection defects, and traumatic defects. Focus areas will include surgical technique, postoperative care and the management of complications.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Discuss the science behind bone grafts, tissue-engineering graft, allogeneic nerve regeneration. 
2. Review surgical techniques to optimize bone and nerve regeneration and patient outcomes. 
3. Discuss surgical technique and management of complications. 

James C. Melville, DDS FACS
Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Bernard & Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral & Head and Neck Oncology and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas
Disclosure: AxoGen Inc (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant/Advisory Board; Integra LifeSciences (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant/Advisory Board; Johnson & Johnson (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant/Advisory Board; Proteocyte Diagnostics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant/Advisory Board

Simon W. Young, DDS, MD, Ph.D
Associate Professor
Bernard & Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Director of Research
Houston, Texas
Disclosure: KLS Martin (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant; Privo Technologies (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant; Proteocyte Diagnostics (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Consultant/Advisory Board; Stryker Craniomaxillofacial Inc. (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Research Grant

An Internet-based CDE/CME Activity
Original Release Date: September 12, 2022
Expiration Date: September 12, 2025
Estimated time to complete this educational activity: 1.0 hours
Method of participation: Self-Study

Continuing Education Provider Approval
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education.

ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit(s).

AGD - Accepted Program Provider
FAGD/MAGD Credit
11/1/22-12/31/26
Provider ID# 214680

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons designates this internet-based enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.